Abstract: The invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca comprising liquid vehicles which include one or more semifluorinated alkanes. The compositions incorporate an active ingredient selected from the group of macrolide immunosuppressants. They can be administered topically into the eye. The invention further provides kits comprising such compositions.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the presence or amount of testosterone in a test sample, comprising ionizing all or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample to produce one or more testosterone ions that are detectable in a mass spectrometer. All or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample is ionized to produce one or more testosterone ions, which may be isolated and fragmented to produce precursor ions. A separately detectable internal testosterone standard can be provided in the sample. In a preferred embodiment, the reference is 2,2,4,6,6-d5 testosterone.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for topical administration comprising an analgesic effective amount of a peptide comprising L-amino acids of the formula (I): pGLU-X—Y-Z M (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. X is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of GLY, VAL, GLU, ASP, SER, ALA, ASN, GLN, ILE, LEU, PRO, LYS and ARG, Y is TRP or THR, and Z is any L-amino acid, or Z is null. When Z is any L-amino acid, one but not both of Y and Z is TRP, and when Z is null, Y=TRP. An alkyl group may be attached to an amino acid of the peptide. Also disclosed are the peptide, the preparation of the pharmaceutical composition and a topical method of treating or preventing pain in a mammal.